Ratings & Awards

Ratings

During production of each edition of Cigar Journal, we literally smoke dozens of cigars for you. Our descriptions and ratings are based on the many opinions formed by our experienced cigar smokers over a course of blind tastings; they are the heart and soul of this magazine. Our 60-person panel smokes and rates – on a neutral and fair basis – established brands, new products and newcomers alike. We are proud to present you with the results of our tastings.

We are currently creating an online database that will feature the entirety of our tasting panel’s ratings on our website. We are excited to be able to share our ratings online with you very soon!

Cigar Trophy

Since the first Cigar Trophy was presented in 1998, Cigar Journal’s awards have established themselves as the most sought-after distinction for exceptional cigars, brands, and service in the cigar world.

And since 2013, it’s not just up to the Cigar Journal jury to award prizes in the Best Brand, Best Cigar, Best Value and Best Accessory categories. Readers can submit their own nominations and participate in the voting process to decide which producers come out on top.

Our editorial team decides on just a few categories by itself: the awards for extraordinary art, charitable projects, advocacy groups and, of course, the Lifetime Achievement award.

Top 25 Cigars

Of the hundreds of cigars we smoke each year for Cigar Journal’s tastings, some leave a lasting impression. At the end of the year, we take time to revisit the most exceptional cigars. Our Top 25 list features the cigars we consider our absolute favorites.

Best Buy

We designate a Best Buy as part of each round of Cigar Journal ratings. Cigars that receive this seal of approval must achieve a rating of 88 points or higher in our tastings and wow us with their extraordinary value.